On Saturday afternoon I read about WWKIP – World Wide Knit in Public Day. We were encouraged to hold events not alone on the day but throughout the whole week 8th to 16th of June.
I did go out on Saturday, bringing my wool and needles. I had my crochet and not knitting, but that was allowed. I did not plan where I was going. I have no idea what I expected, but my walk provided no inspiration for a location, so I headed home with my needles not seeing the light of day.
Sunday brought blue skies with 20°C sunshine and a determination to try again to air my yarn and needles for real this time. I had visions of sitting in dappled sunshine and working away.
I chose Clotworthy House/Antrim Castle grounds as there were now plenty of options for places to sit.
In the shade of a well dressed tree, perhaps
A Sun dressed tree to feast the eyes
As I walked Through the Courtyard I came across this sign.
Music in the Garden with The Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra
Bingo! I thought.
Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra (UYJO) would be playing in the parterre from 2pm for one hour.
People were beginning to gather and the seats were set out ready and waiting
So I had my walk and came back in time to find a seat, and enjoy the music as I tapped my feet and worked the fingers on my crochet.
Making the final checks as we settled down
No need for formal dress and bow-ties, it was a day to soak up some vitamin D.
“You were not knitting!” I hear you shout.
“Oh yes I was! Well, crocheting actually.”
Both crochet or knitting were allowed according to the website. I had a cardigan in progress and there is less chance of losing stitches when crocheting than with knitting while working out of doors. It was also in a striking shade of Raspberry and more lightly to catch attention, which was the whole point in the exercise: To draw attention to and encourage others to take up or return to the hobby.
Sharing my work and yarning!
It was easy to set the work on my knees as I applauded the young talent. Vocal soloist Ayesha Akkari, entertained us with several numbers including Knock on Wood and Everything.
Vocal soloist Ayesha Akkari Knocks on Wood
As we listened and tapped our toes, I had the bright idea to speak to musical Director Ken Jordan and ask for a photo to prove I was there. So when the programme ended I walked forward and asked to speak for a few moments.
I Thanked them for their wonderful music and singing as well as the exercise for my tapping toes. I explained why I was playing with my needlework as I listened and said I would be going home to write a blog post about my adventure and linking it to WWKIP. I asked if they had a website or Facebook page to which I might add a link.
Then the crunch bit I dared to ask if I could have that photograph with them. I was even brazen enough to suggest a swap…
Musical Director Ken Jordan & Vocalist Ayesha Akkari
with Grannymar on Saxaphone.
Fair swap – My needlework for a Saxaphone! Do you think I will be allowed to join?
I love to see young talent encouraged and acknowledged. They are a fine group of young people, I wish them well with a life filled with music. May they continue to bring joy, by sharing their talents with the world around them for many a long year!
As they plan their futures I will enjoy listening to the CD they presented me with.
Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra
Twenty Twelve CD
Perhaps some of these young people will read this post, so may I ask my readers to do me a small favour as a sign of encouragement for them. I know where most of you hail from on this globe of ours, but the youngsters will have no idea. At the end of your comment can you please say where you are writing from. e.g: Pune, India or St Johns, Newfoundland, ( I know those two will appear).
Just as I reached the car park, I was stopped by a lovely couple. She wished to ask me about my ‘knitting’. “So that is what you were looking at all the time!” Her husband said.
She had been a knitter, very fond of traditional Aran patterns, in the past and I discovered she also dabbled in cross stitch and other aspects of Needlecraft too. Seeing me working away gave her the urge to begin all over again. She does have a gilet in mind to knit – a great idea if you dislike doing sleeves!
We spoke about wool and I was telling her about a little coffee chop with a section for wool and needles. Several small finished items along with the patterns are on display to encourage people to have a go. It turns out she knew the family that own the shop – the world gets smaller every day! I gave her my card and hope she picks up that phone some day soon. I would love to meet and natter about our ventures with Needlecrafts.
Grannymar 